R.E.M. - Accelerate (Special Edition) [Digipak] (CD 2008)

REM's stellar back catalogue accumulated over nearly 30 years must mean that they can afford to ignore their critics, but the new album `Accelerate' is such a different beast to its tepidly-received predecessor `Around the Sun' that one could conclude that the band feel they have a point to prove.

Eleven tracks totalling under 35 minutes is a remarkably brief record and it crackles with energy from the word go. The opener, `Living Well is the Best Revenge', is a speed of sound head-rush, Stipe virtually shouting the vocals in his urgency to get the lyrics out. `Man-Sized Wreath' follows and it is a tremendously enjoyable dance floor filler, with funky guitar shapes reminiscent of `Monster's' `What's the Frequency Kenneth'. `Supernatural Superserious' is a great riffing guitar monster with a fantastically catchy chorus.

If you hadn't already gathered, `Accelerate' is a straight-up rock record with Peter Buck's guitar more to the fore than on any album since `Monster', but it has a fresher, more carefree sound than that LP.. Its short length works totally to its advantage because a record like this cannot afford any duff moments. `Houston' and `Horse to Water', the latter a real throwback to college-rock thrash of the mid 80s, clock in at barely over two minutes. There is variety and atmosphere as well, though. The title track carries a real air of panic its it lyric whilst `Until the Day is Done' is a beautiful, semi-acoustic lament to the state of the world and is surely destined to be an all-time REM classic.

`Accelerate' is sure to be loved by REM fans because the band once more sounds like they are making music for the sheer love of it. This could be the debut album by some hot new group, it sounds that fresh, but the beauty of it is that with REM's vast experience and accomplished musicianship and lyricism in the mix it carries air of real quality as well. A really great album and so enjoyable.